**Disclosure: We received a complimentary meal for the purpose of conducting an accurate review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% our own.
Tucked away next to the Loews Theater in the Streets of Woodfield is a joint worth straying a bit from the main drag to visit--Wickets Bar and Grill. Recently, we were able to stop by Wickets for a bite and to learn about the offerings at this local eatery. Our visit came at the perfect time because in addition to trying Wickets' food and experiencing its atmosphere, we were able to learn about some menu changes starting this month.
When we arrived, we were pleasantly greeted by Manager Dennis Antoniello. Dennis has had a lengthy career in the food industry and his passion for creating great food and a wonderful atmosphere for patrons shows. We learned that Dennis opened Wickets with the concept of creating good food that he enjoyed while catering towards the tastes of customers. While we were there, Dennis circulated through the restaurant and conversed with his patrons-truly showing his care for the customers. He explained to us that by learning about his customers, he can make a restaurant that is inviting for them.
One may easily assume that Wickets is an after movie hangout joint due to its proximity to the Loews Theater. However, once you enter you quickly notice that while Wickets is relaxed, the restaurant offers a bit more. Wickets does have a nice bar if you would like to sit and watch the game sipping one of the 20 beers on tap. Plus, the presence of a brick oven shows that Wickets is more elevated than just any old place to chill after a movie---but is still a cool place to hangout if that is what you are looking for!
During our visit, we also learned that Wickets is a popular location for office employees to stop in for lunch or even for people to have business meetings and parties. Plus, Wickets is welcoming to families and we are sure that many will come to enjoy offerings from the brick oven among other choices. Wickets does have a kid menu that is served with a festive frisbee. However, there certainly are items on the main menu that will appeal to the wee folk as well.
Mel's take:
When I first entered Wickets, I was a little surprised by how open it was. The restaurant sports some wonderful windows that help set up a lovely, free-flowing feel to the restaurant. The atmosphere seems upbeat but not too boisterous, so fine for either a meal with friends or a family meal. The menu is quite large and has plenty of options ranging from the unhealthy treat to something more in the middle to pretty healthy meals. The range makes it easy to accommodate multiple tastes. Immediately when I spotted skewers on the menu, I knew that I needed to try them. What I think is novel about the skewers is that you get to choose 2 different sauces for them. After considering Roasted Tomato Aioli, Cucumber Chive Yogurt Sauce, Hummus and Roasted Vegetable Relish, I went with the Hummus and Cucumber Chive Yogurt Sauce to compliment my Chicken Tikka Tandoori and Beef Skewers. Loved the sauces and loved the skewers! As you can see, portions are plentiful and I definitely had some to take home. The skewers came with an ample amount of veggies along with the meat. While both meat choices were cooked well, I preferred the Chicken Tikka Tandoori. After my meal, I had a cup of tea. I was pretty impressed when our server brought out a box to choose from. While we are not talking loose leaf, I thought it was a nice touch that Wickets has several choices of tea. In fact, I recently went to another venue that was a little more pricey and they only served one type of Lipton tea. Kudos to Wickets! Touches like this are important for a place that caters to many and wants to create an atmosphere where people can relax and feel good about their experience!
Kat's take:
Mel and I had an enjoyable lunch experience at Wickets. I took our waiter's suggestion and had the Caesar salad, with chicken. It was a great gluten-free option and perfectly seasoned and prepared. I ordered the large portion and had leftovers to take home. The restaurant itself is airy and bright, with lots of big flat screen TVs and high barstool table seating - as befits it's sports bar atmosphere.
Wickets' menu is highlighted by traditional bar food staples like burgers, soups and salads in addition to flatbreads (cooked in the brick oven), skewers and entrees featuring beef, fish and pasta. They also have a kids menu. This is the perfect place to grab a drink and a bite to eat if you are shopping or seeing a movie at Streets of Woodfield.
Recent Changes at Wickets:
Since our visit, Wickets has added additional menu items including a Turkey Reuben, an Italian Chicken Pesto Panini, a Honey BBQ Chicken Burrito, a Cuban Sandwich, a Chicken Saltimbocca Panini and a Thai Shrimp Wrap. The Honey BBQ Chicken Burrito sounds particularly inventive with grilled vegetables, julienne carrots, shredded cabbage, red onions, ranch dressing and mozzarella cheese. Wickets also has a special late night menu as well as weekly specials. For a little extra fun, Wickets has a new Golden Tee Machine plus Pub Trivia on Wednesday nights at 7:00PM.
We enjoyed our Mom's lunch out at Wickets. We loved that Wickets can accommodate a varied clientele from friends wanting to watch the game to coworkers going out to an office lunch to a family looking for a nice bite. With such an emphasis on providing good and inventive food, we can't to see what is yet to come for Wickets!
Wickets Bar and Grill is located at 601 Martingale Rd. in Schaumburg. Wickets is open Tuesday-Sunday and closed on Mondays. Please check website for hours.
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